The application forms - minor details/mistakes that could cause you to be rejected??

So firstly I know this is going to be silly, but we all know how pedantic they can be about the format and instructions of the forms. I'm not sure if all the countries have the exact same forms; I'm applying from South Africa if that makes a difference.

One thing is the blue pen. Everything must be in blue ink. That one cannot be more clear.

Things that I am still unclear of: the writing, the chart sheet codes, and the dates.

They say to use block letters. As far as I understand this means everything you write you write in plain capital letter. Yes, no?

For the question concerning the interview location it says to use the chart to get the code of your location, but if your location is not listed you have to write it out in full. My location is listed. Does this mean I only write in the code and nothing more, or do I write in the code and the name of my location in full?

Then the form says the years must be written using the Anno Domini (AD) system. Does this mean each year should end in AD? For example when I write the date for when I started my PGCE would it be February 20, 2017 AD?

Again, I know these are silly questions, but I want to be absolutely sure I get this right.
Thanks in advance

Re: The application forms - minor details/mistakes that could cause you to be rejecte

I'd recommend stop overthinking this or it's going to drive you crazy.
For example, I don't think you would need to write AD. Just writing 2017 is using the system. I think that's just a warning to weebs not to use the Japanese dating system.

Re: The application forms - minor details/mistakes that could cause you to be rejecte

Originally Posted by OatsCurrySummer

Though I'd recommend certain users here put a BC beside their date of birth so as not to cause confusion.

I chuckled.

Originally Posted by Jiggit

But sometimes ALT-sensei use hashi. I think is very subarashii. Maybe it is not real for my eyes. I must ask him if hashi is ok to use. ... So I am still very confused about hashi. I will ask again in the future everyday.

Re: The application forms - minor details/mistakes that could cause you to be rejecte

I remember being super nervous too because of the reputation of them being super strict.

Don't stress. Just follow the instructions as written and fill out the forms completely. If it says clip and not staple, don't staple. If it says blue ink then blue ink.

By "AD" I think they're trying to say use western calendar, 2017, which is likely just a direct translation of whatever was written in Japanese because they need to make that distinction in Japan, or perhaps some other countries that have another system.

Yes, block letters mean all plain capital letters.

I'll let you in on a secret- they really do not go through with a magnifying glass trying to toss out entire applications on some super trivial little detail. Yes, if you are missing something like forgetting a reference your application is going to be rejected. But you don't need to worry about getting your packet thrown out just because you misspelled a word or forgot to cross a T.

Re: The application forms - minor details/mistakes that could cause you to be rejecte

Originally Posted by patjs

I'll let you in on a secret- they really do not go through with a magnifying glass trying to toss out entire applications on some super trivial little detail. Yes, if you are missing something like forgetting a reference your application is going to be rejected. But you don't need to worry about getting your packet thrown out just because you misspelled a word or forgot to cross a T.

Even if you do forget something - like I did (I forgot to sign the application in one spot, and I then proceeded to send a letter with a entire sheet of stamps because I wasn't paying attention) - the consulate will more than likely contact you and help you make it right instead of just throwing out your application. That might depend on who reads your application, but the consulates do tend to hire former JETs to go check the applications for completedness as well as participate in the interview stage.